Optical Switch Link Bringup Reduction via Data Selector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical switching networks experience significant latency during link reconfiguration, as existing links are destroyed and recreated each time the switch connects different endpoints, leading to overhead periods where data transmission is not possible.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a pattern generator device and a data selector device that select data for transmission based on reconfiguration conditions, utilizing a digital logic signal, schedule, or auto-sensing module, and employs cross-domain clocking and serialization/deserialization to reduce link bringup time by converting clock domains and processing bitstreams efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical switching networks destroy and recreate links during reconfiguration, then the switch can connect different endpoints, but significant latency occurs and data transmission is interrupted during overhead periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining existing link connections during reconfiguration events. Instead of destroying and recreating links, the optical switch reconfigures internally while preserving the physical link between transmitter and receiver, allowing data transmission to continue uninterrupted through the reconfiguration process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where a data selector device acts as a mediator between the optical switch and the transmitter/receiver pairs. This selector redirects data paths internally during reconfiguration, allowing the link to remain active while the switch connects different endpoints, thus eliminating the need to destroy and recreate links
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical switching networks destroy and recreate links during reconfiguration, then the switch can reconfigure for new connections, but overhead periods occur where data transmission is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The system ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining data transmission throughout the reconfiguration process. The data selector device continuously selects and forwards data packets, ensuring that the transmission pipeline remains active and productive even as the optical switch reconfigures its internal connections to establish new endpoints
3Adaptability or versatility
If links are destroyed and recreated during reconfiguration, then the optical switch can establish new connections, but significant latency is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-maintaining the physical link connections and preparing the data path selection in advance of reconfiguration needs. The data selector is ready to redirect traffic immediately when reconfiguration occurs, eliminating the latency that would otherwise be required to establish new physical connections
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods are described herein for reducing a link bringup time period for optical switching between network devices. An example method of the present disclosure receives an indication of a reconfiguration condition associated with an optical switch communicatively coupled to an optical communication channel and based on the reconfiguration condition, selects first data associated with a storage device or second data associated with a pattern generator device for transmission to a first network device. Selecting the first or second data may be based on a digital logic signal that indicates whether data is actively received from the second network device via the optical communication channel or may be based on a defined schedule for reconfiguring the optical switch.